PROPOSALS FOR

LAND SOUTH OF VIEW ROAD

CLIFFE WOODS

Public Consultation February 2021 PROPOSALS FOR

LAND SOUTH OF VIEW ROAD

CLIFFE WOODS

Welcome Thank you for your interest in this virtual public exhibition on Land south of View Road, Cliffe Woods. We apologise for not being able to meet you in person and hope you understand that this is the most suitable option to present our emerging scheme under the current COVID-19 restrictions and ensure the health of local residents and our team are maintained.

The aim of this virtual public exhibition is to introduce us – Esquire Developments – and to provide more detail about our emerging proposals – which is for a full planning application for approximately 68 residential dwellings.

We hope most of your questions will be answered here and we would welcome your feedback to viewroad@esquiredevelopments. com or complete the online comments box on the website www.consult-esquire.com.

Manor Farm - Cliffe PROPOSALS FOR

LAND SOUTH OF VIEW ROAD

CLIFFE WOODS

About Esquire Developments Esquire Developments is a multi-award winning medium sized We recently completed our development in Manor Farm, West housebuilder based in Longfield, Kent and was established in Street in Cliffe for 9 dwellings including the regeneration of 2011. Most recently, in November 2020, we were voted Best a Listed Barn and provision of single storey dwellings. This Small Housebuilder in the Country by WhatHouse awards. scheme was shortlisted as ‘Best Regeneration Scheme’ by Housebuilder in December 2020. Woodlands Site - Under Construction We have forged an excellent reputation, concentrating our focus within Kent and Medway and completing a number We are also to shortly finish our site known as Appleyard of renovations and new build projects in that time. We now Quarter in Hoo in February and are halfway through the employ approximately 20 people and build approximately 100 construction of our site known as Riverbourne, in Chattenden, high quality and bespoke new homes a year. Using innovative a scheme which sold 100% off-plan. design, superior materials and skilled craftsmanship, we provide homes that are distinctive and complement their We are proud of our reputation and understand the importance unique surroundings. of our engagement with the local community, both at the planning and construction phases. We give homes the space As local residents, you will no doubt be familiar with our they deserve so that families can enjoy their property inside scheme currently under construction known as Woodlands and out. Appleyard Quarter for 94 dwellings, a Children’s Nursery and rural office space. Work is progressing well and the Nursery opened in January We are passionate about ‘building better building beautiful’ 2021 and first occupation of the dwellings will be in February as well as positively addressing Climate Change. We are 2021. Nearly half of the development has already sold off plan part of a local SME Network, a group of small-to-medium and only 25% of the commercial area is available for Let. housebuilders that work together to identify sites to provide a contrast to larger housebuilders and help bring greater diversity in the quality of housing offered.

Woodlands Site - Under Construction PROPOSALS FOR N LAND SOUTH OF VIEW ROAD

CLIFFE WOODS

footpath

COMMUNITY ESQUIRE GREEN DEVELOPMENTS Site Location MC/18/2961 The site is located south of View Road and east of RECREATION Town Road and lies between the southern residential GROUND boundary of Cliffe Woods and the reservoir - controlled by Southern Water. The site is approximately 4.8ha / 12 acres in size and comprises 2 distinct rectangular footpath fields.

Field 1 comprises a commercial pear orchard which CLIFFE WOODS runs parallel with View Road and adjoins approximately 5 residential dwellings whose rear gardens back onto the site. Field 1 is located broadly opposite where the footpath GLADMAN SCHEME MC/19/0287 proposed Gladman access is located. Field 2 comprises an agricultural field which wraps the site around the reservoir and extends up to the Ancient Woodland SSSI. Field 2 has no defined internal vegetation/ VIEW ROAD boundary which separates it from an existing Outline 1 CARE HOME SCHEME consent of 50 retirement homes which was granted at MC/16/3742 bridleway Appeal in 2019 and fronts View Road.

2

he site is relatively well screened with a number of TOWN ROAD T byway existing trees and hedgerows located on each boundary. The existing pear trees are coming to the end of their bridleway commercial productivity. The site has a gently sloping topography to the south and west. The site is located in close proximity to existing Bus Stops (approx. 50m), Cliffe Woods Primary School (approx. 800m) and a short walk to the Parkside Shopping Parade (approx. 400m) including the Community Hall and Church. There are no Public Rights of Way through the site. The site is considered a logical extension to Cliffe Woods, both as a stand alone site and when viewed in the context of other forthcoming developments. Key:

PROPOSALS FOR

Sensitive Edge LAND SOUTH OF VIEW ROAD VIEW ROAD

CLIFFE WOODS LANDSCAPE BUFFER FUTURE CONNECTIVITY VIEWS INFORMAL ACCESS

Constraints & Opportunities NEW ACCESS

+20.0m he site is defined as being in the countryside due Sensitive Edge T +22.0m to it being outside of the defined boundary of Cliffe

Woods. It is not located in any sensitive Landscape +24.0m

LANDSCAPE BUFFER Key: designations (such as AONB or Area of Local VIEWS +26.0m Landscape Importance). +28.0m +30.0m +32.0m +34.0m VIEWS MC/16/ 3742 OUTLINE CONSENT 50 RETIREMENT HOMES he site’s eastern boundary meets Chattenden Woods VIEWS LANDSCAPE EDGE T TOWN ROAD and Lodge Hill SSSI. The site’s western boundary Key: meets the B2000 Town Road. Site boundary

RESERVOIR Key: Ancient woodland and SSSI There are no heritage assets within close proximity of Retain areas or orchard as part of community open space and the site. within rear gardens, using the landscape structure to create a development set within Sensitive visual receptor- +22.0m orchards, responding positively Approved application for 50 A offset development from here is an existing reservoir located to the southVIEW ROAD to this local characteristic and retirement homes. Planning property boundaries and T framework. application: MC/16/3742 incorporate new landscapeBUFFER and east of the site. This is located a number of meters buffer. Offset any properties and enhance reservoir buffer below the site and comprises a large body of water INFORMAL ROUTES B A zone. Lowest part of Site - potential location for wider ANCIENT WOODLAND that is not publicly accessible. There are a number of water attenuation strategy. drainage ditches on the margins of the fields.F Retain northern boundary C hedgerow where possible C whilst also+33.0 providingm for Planning application: access and visual connectivity here are also a number of MC/19/0287nearby properties both Source: Esri, Maxar, GeoEye, Earthstar Geographics, CNES/Airbus DS, USDA, USGS, AeroGRID, IGN, and the GIS User Communityto View Road to create sense T of community. Key: adjacent to the site and on the opposite side of View Site boundary Soft landscape interface D between western parcel and Road that need to be considered and respected. Ancient woodland and SSSI retirement home scheme. Retain areas or orchard as part of community open space and Key: OPPORTUNITIES AND CONSTRAINTS PLAN within rear gardens, using the landscape structure to create Site boundary Habitat corridorDrawing No between0347-L06 a development set withinLAND AT VIEW ROAD Sensitive visual receptor- orchards, responding positively Approved application for 50 A offset development from reservoir and Statusancient Draft VIEW ROAD to this localD characteristic and retirement homes. Planning property boundaries and E framework. application: MC/16/3742 incorporate new landscape woodland. Date 30.11.2020 B LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL ASSESSMENTbuffer. Scale 1:2,000 @ A3 Offset any properties and B enhance reservoir buffer Revision - zone. Lowest part of Site - Remove Poplars and replace TOWN ROAD B2000 A Ancient woodland and SSSI Retain areas or orchard as part potential location for wider with native hedgerow and water attenuation strategy. F of community open space and Oaks. Offset properties from F Retain northern boundary C hedgerow where possible adjoining road. within rear gardens, using the C whilst also providing for landscapePlanning structureapplication: to create access and visual connectivity MC/19/0287 Source: Esri, Maxar, GeoEye, Earthstar Geographics, CNES/Airbus DS, USDA, USGS, AeroGRID, IGN, and the GIS User Communityto View Road to createSensitive sense visual receptor- a development set within of community. 30m dense native woodland Approved application for 50 offset development from orchards, responding positively SoftA landscape interface G buffer between SSSI/Ancient VIEW ROAD D between western propertyparcel and boundaries and to this local characteristic and retirement homes. Planning retirement home scheme. Woodland and Site consisting framework. application: MC/16/3742 OPPORTUNITIES AND CONSTRAINTSincorporate new PLAN landscape primarily of scrubby and LAND AT VIEW ROAD Habitat corridorDrawing No betweenbuffer.0347-L06 D E reservoir and Statusancient Draft thorny species. B LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL ASSESSMENT woodland. Date 30.11.2020 Scale 1:2,000 @ A3 Remove PoplarsRevision andOffset replace- any properties and TOWN ROAD B2000 Pedestrian links through site G F with native hedgerowenhance and reservoir buffer Oaks.B Offset properties from to southern open space. A adjoining road. zone. Lowest part of Site - 30m dense native potentialwoodland location for wider G buffer between SSSI/Ancient Woodland and Sitewater consisting attenuation strategy. primarily of scrubby and Open view from adjoining thorny species. E Retain northern boundary properties. F G Pedestrian links through site toC southern open hedgerowspace. where possible C whilst also providing for Open view from adjoining Partial view from wider Planning application: E properties. access and visual connectivity MC/19/0287 Source: Esri, Maxar, GeoEye, Earthstar Geographics, CNES/Airbus DS, USDA, USGS, AeroGRID, IGN, and the GIS User Communityto View Road to create sense landscape. Partial view from wider landscape. of community.

Direction of landfallSoft landscape interface Direction of landfall D between western parcel and OPPORTUNITIES ANDretirement CONSTRAINTS home scheme. PLAN LAND AT VIEW ROADSource: Esri, Maxar, GeoEye, Earthstar Geographics, CNES/Airbus DS, USDA, USGS, AeroGRID, IGN, and the GIS User Community Habitat corridorDrawing No between0347-L06 D E reservoir and Statusancient Draft B LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL ASSESSMENT woodland. Date 30.11.2020 Source: Esri, Maxar, GeoEye, Earthstar Geographics, CNES/AirbusOPPORTUNITIES DS, USDA, AND USGS, CONSTRAINTS AeroGRID, IGN, andPLAN the GIS UserScale Community1:2,000 @ A3 LAND AT VIEW ROAD Drawing No 0347-L06 Status Draft Remove PoplarsRevision and replace- TOWN ROAD B2000 LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL ASSESSMENT Date 30.11.2020 Scale 1:2,000 @ A3 with native hedgerow and - F Revision Oaks. Offset properties from adjoining road.

OPPORTUNITIES30m dense native woodland AND CONSTRAINTS PLAN LAND AT VIEW ROAD G buffer between SSSI/Ancient Drawing No 0347-L06 Woodland and Site consisting Status Draft LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL ASSESSMENT primarily of scrubby and Date 30.11.2020 thorny species. Scale 1:2,000 @ A3 Revision - Pedestrian links through site G to southern open space.

Open view from adjoining E properties.

Partial view from wider landscape.

Direction of landfall

Source: Esri, Maxar, GeoEye, Earthstar Geographics, CNES/Airbus DS, USDA, USGS, AeroGRID, IGN, and the GIS User Community

OPPORTUNITIES AND CONSTRAINTS PLAN LAND AT VIEW ROAD Drawing No 0347-L06 Status Draft LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL ASSESSMENT Date 30.11.2020 Scale 1:2,000 @ A3 Revision - PROPOSALS FOR

LAND SOUTH OF VIEW ROAD

CLIFFE WOODS

Proposed Layout 12 We are proposing to develop up to 68 family homes including 17 affordable homes (25%) and open space. 11 A new access is proposed from View Road. It is also proposed to significantly enhance the buffer to the 10 southern and eastern boundaries, crucially with the SSSI. 1

he layout has been influenced by the surrounding T 9 character including both in the layout and positioning of the dwellings and the architectural approach. The proposed density across the whole site is low at 2 approximately 15 dwellings per hectare which results in a comfortable layout that proposes extensive areas of open space and ecological enhancement (linking the SSSI to the reservoir). The development creates a defined and defensible edge to Cliffe Woods. 3

e do not yet have any drawings of how the homes 7 W 8 could look, but we will work closely with Medway Council and our architects to ensure the design of the 4 new homes is of high quality and complements Cliffe Woods village. 6 5

1 Communal Orchard upon entry to the proposals 7 SUDS Landscape

2 Proposed wooded walking link 8 Tree and shrub planting in rear gardens

3 Hillside Copse with nature walk 9 Native tree planting to aid screening along reservoir boundary

4 30m landscape buffer to Ancient Woodland SSSI 10 Orchard planted parking court

5 Walking route through native planting landscape 11 Pedestrian access to pond and orchard landscape from Town Road

6 Deep tree and shrub buffer screening of the proposals 12 Existing Hedgerow enhanced with additional native planting ridge 29.30 No 19a to No 21a ridge 31.98

ridge 32.64 ridge 31.99 ridge 33.29 B R O N T E C L O S E p\r 1.1 (g) 23.83 23.74 DO NOT SCALE sv 23.50 24.17 No 19 23.40 23.55 MH 23.29 23.73 CL23.79 ridge 31.25 23.87 23.97 24.00 © Crown Copyright 2020. All rights reserved. Licence Number 100031961 PROPOSALS FOR 24.12 tarmac 24.35 MH 23.48 23.66 No 19a to No 21a g CL23.75 ridge 31.98 24.03 sv 23.39 dk g dk 24.30 23.33 23.63 23.59 24.15 sv 10.42 24.37 24.46 23.49 g sv sv 24.28 24.54 23.45 23.79 sv MH ridge 31.99 dk dk 23.96 24.64 gate CL23.54 24.19 g 24.52 23.63 24.37 24.39 g 23.7923.95 24.07 LAND SOUTH OF VIEW ROAD 24.60 24.78 fh sv 23.42 MH 23.60 24.17 24.51 sv 24.35 MH 23.41 CL23.56 24.05 24.16 CL24.47 dk 24.75 STN5 24.60 sv ch\plg 0.8 (f) 23.57 23.93 24.12 tarmac 24.35 24.28 24.52 24.91 25.02 23.74 24.03 24.80 23.49 23.58 sv 24.29 24.33 23.72 23.85 dk 24.30 STN5A 24.44 25.01 25.21 24.15 sv dk 24.86 23.94 24.37 24.46 lp 24.73 23.69 23.69 MH CLIFFE WOODS g 25.41 24.28 sv 24.42 25.21 23.45 23.84 CL23.78 24.07 24.54 24.59 24.48 dk 25.09 25.36 23.82 24.64 gate 24.91 23.95 23.86 24.19 g 24.52 24.55 23.56 lp 23.85 24.37 24.39 24.66 25.62 23.99 24.60 24.78 24.82 25.06 25.26 gas 23.99 sv 23.91 1.665 4.18 1.32 dk 25.49 sv 24.12 24.35 24.51 24.83 24.85 25.39 tow=26.23 23.92 MH 25.64 tarmac 24.16 dk 24.75 STN5 25.00 25.24 tic 23.20 24.09 CL24.47 24.60 sv 24.28 ch\plg 0.8 (f) 25.55 25.80sv 23.68 23.85 24.52 24.91 25.02 lp 25.00 24.80 25.07 25.49 tow=26.49 24.33 25.14 25.40 25.86 24.29 25.78 STN5A 24.44 25.01 25.21 25.15 g c\b 1.4 dk 25.63 24.86 24.48 25.20 25.60 lp g 24.73 25.29 25.54 26.11 23.45 24.42 25.41 Phoenix 2-23W (with Elite 2 6x2MS chassis) 24.11 25.70 25.98 24.59 24.48 25.21 ch\plg 1.0 (p) 25.35 dk STN6 25.30 25.79 24.91 25.09 25.36 Overall Length 10.420m 25.47 26.27 tow=27.40 24.07 24.55 25.72 25.89 24.66 25.62 25.51 26.40 24.82 25.26 Overall Width 2.530m 25.46 dk 26.16 25.06 gas 24.77 25.64 26.02 dk sv sv 23.78 24.85 25.49 tow=26.23 25.58 24.83 25.39 25.64 Overall Body Height 3.211m ch\plg 1.0 (p) 26.29 26.56 25.00 25.24 tic 24.41 25.72 25.68 g Phoenix 2-23W (with Elite 2 6x2MS chassis) tow=27.65 Technical Matters 26.18 25.55 25.80sv 25.62 26.49 tarmac 26.67 lp 25.00 Min Body Ground Clearance 0.416m 25.71 25.07 25.49 25.74 26.40 sv 25.14 25.40 25.09 25.85 V I E W R O A D 26.61 MH dk 25.15 g Track Width 2.530m 25.20 24.55 25.89 CL25.91 26.46 24.48 25.29 25.60 25.87 MH 24.06 25.54 26.01 26.54 24.11 Lock to lock time 4.00s CL26.36 ch\plg 1.0 (p) 25.30 25.35 26.05 25.47 26.01 Kerb to Kerb Turning Radius 11.150m 26.18 25.72 23.34 25.46 25.51 e have appointed a number of expert consultants24.02 to 26.21 25.64 26.23 26.33 24.77 W ch\plg 1.0 (p) 25.58 26.33 24.41 25.72 g 24.98 25.67 26.37 25.68 Notes: 26.49 23.57 25.62 25.71 26.54 25.74 assess the site and emerging scheme to ensure that all 26.56 25.09 25.85 24.23 tarmac 26.64 · Drawing is based on topographical survey 24.55 25.92 tp 25.87 26.74 disused STN7 and an illustrative architects plan provided potential impacts are understood and where necessary, 24.43 25.13 26.16 23.93 24.02 by Clague Architects on 22nd January 25.56 23.30 mitigated. 25.78 26.70 24.98 25.67 2021. 24.80 23.47 24.23

26.25 24.11 24.43 25.13 26.92 24.44 25.09 25.56 26.95 23.84 25.48 23.94 23.20 24.80 Highways 25.66 24.72 26.27 24.11 23.44 24.08 26.91 24.44 25.09 26.91 Phoenix 2-23W (with Elite 2 6x2MS chassis) 24.98 25.48 new access from View Road is proposed. The access 24.37 26.94 A 23.77 23.87 25.66

25.38 24.72 has been designed to meet the required design and 25.58 24.08 24.60 23.42 26.23 safety specifications and is a simple priority junction23.9823.99 26.89 24.37 24.98 P1 28.01.21 JM First Issue CS CS 26.85 Refuse Vehicle24.23 - Left In 24.90 Refuse Vehicle - Left Out REV DATE BY DESCRIPTION CHK APD with visibility splays of 2.4m set back by 43.0m based 23.58 25.38 25.28 27.00 23.76 25.58 ridge 29.30

ridge 32.64 ridge 33.29 client on the posted speed limit for View Road. B R O N T E C L O S E

No 19 ridge 32.64 ridge 33.29 B R O N T E C L O S E p\r 1.1 (g) 23.83 ridge 31.25 ESQUIRE DEVELOPMENTS LTD 23.74

23.87

23.97 24.00 No 19a to No 21a No 19 ridge 31.98 23.55 MH

23.73 CL23.79 ridge 31.25 23.87 MH 23.97 24.00 23.48 23.66 No 19a to No 21a n terms of impact on the local high network, the ridge 31.98 23.79 sv g CL23.75 23.39 dk ridge 31.99 I 23.63 23.59 dk 23.96 23.49 g 23.7923.95 24.07 sv fh sv 23.79 sv sv 24.17 project MH ridge 31.99 proposed development will generate 340 vehicle dk 23.96 CL23.54 23.63 24.05 23.93 24.12 tarmac 24.35 23.7923.95 24.07 fh sv 24.03 MH 23.60 sv 24.17 sv 23.85 dk 24.30 CL23.56 24.05 VIEW ROAD, CLIFFE WOODS 23.94 24.15 sv 24.46 movements over a 12hr period (0700-1900). In the 23.93 24.37 24.12 tarmac 24.35 23.74 24.28 sv 23.58 24.03 sv 24.07 24.54 dk dk gate 23.72 23.85 24.30 g 24.64 24.15 sv 24.46 23.86 24.19 24.52 23.94 Phoenix 2-23W (with Elite 2 6x2MS chassis) 24.37 24.37 24.39 23.69 23.69 MH 23.99 24.60 24.78 AM and PM peak hours, this equates to an average of 24.28 sv 23.99 23.84 CL23.78 24.07 24.54 dk 24.12 24.35 MH 24.51 23.82 24.64 gate 23.92 23.95 23.86 24.19 g 24.52 tarmac 24.16 CL24.47 dk 24.75 STN5 lp 23.85 24.37 24.39 24.09 24.60 sv ch\plg 0.8 (f) 23.99 24.60 24.78 23.85 24.28 24.52 24.91 25.02 23.99 24.80 23.91 24.29 24.33 37 movements, or approximately 6 vehicle movements 24.12 24.35 24.51 title MH 23.92 STN5A 24.44 25.21 tarmac 24.16 dk 24.75 STN5 dk 25.01 24.09 CL24.47 24.60 sv 24.86 24.28 ch\plg 0.8 (f) lp 24.73 23.68 23.85 24.52 24.91 25.02 24.42 g 25.41 24.80 24.48 25.21 24.33 24.59 24.29 25.09 25.36 STN5A 24.44 25.01 25.21 24.91 every 10 minutes. This represents a marginal increase dk 24.86 24.07 24.55 VEHICLE SWEPT PATH ANALYSIS 24.66 25.62 lp g 24.73 23.45 24.42 25.41 24.82 25.06 25.26 gas 24.59 24.48 25.21 sv sv 23.78 dk 25.49 tow=26.23 24.91 25.09 25.36 24.83 24.85 25.39 25.64 PROPOSED ACCESS DESIGN 24.07 24.55 25.00 25.24 tic 24.66 25.62 25.55 sv in traffic generation and it is not expected that this 25.26 25.00 25.80 24.82 25.06 gas lp 25.07 25.49 sv sv 25.14 25.86 tow=26.49 23.78 dk 25.49 tow=26.23 25.40 24.83 24.85 25.39 25.64 25.78 25.15 g c\b 1.4 25.00 25.24 tic 25.63 24.48 25.20 25.29 25.60 25.00 25.55 25.80sv 24.06 25.54 26.11 lp 25.07 25.49 24.11 25.70 25.98 would have an unacceptable impact on the local road 25.14 25.86 ch\plg 1.0 (p) 25.30 25.35 dk STN6 25.40 25.79 project drwg rev 25.78 25.47 26.27 tow=27.40 25.15 g 25.89 25.20 25.60 25.63 25.72 24.06 24.48 25.29 25.54 25.46 25.51 26.40 24.11 25.70 dk 26.16 24.77 25.64 26.02 ch\plg 1.0 (p) 25.30 25.35 dk 25.47 25.58 network either alone or in combination with the other ch\plg 1.0 (p) 25.72 26.29 15190 T-01 P1 24.41 g 25.72 25.68 26.18 23.34 25.46 25.51 25.62 24.77 25.64 25.74 25.71 25.09 25.85 V I E W R O A D ch\plg 1.0 (p) 25.58 MH 24.41 25.72 g 25.68 24.55 25.89 CL25.91 permitted developments in Cliffe Woods. 25.62 25.87 Drawn Checked Approved scale @ A3 date 23.57 26.01 25.74 25.71 25.09 25.85 26.05 26.01 26.18 24.55 25.87 25.89 23.93 26.01 24.02 26.21 JM CS CS 1:500 28.01.21 26.23 26.33 26.01 26.33 24.98 25.67 26.37 23.93 26.49 Recorded Vehicle Movement 24.02 status 24.23 26.56 24.98 25.67 25.92

25.13 26.16 FOR INFORMATION P 23.47 24.23 24.43 Time Arrivals Departures Total 25.92

25.56 24.43 25.13 23.84 25.78 0800 - 0900 12 27 39 23.94 24.80 25.56 23.84 25.78 23.94 26.25 24.11 1700 - 1800 25 11 36 24.80

24.11 24.44 25.09 23.44 Phoenix 2-23W (with Elite 2 6x2MS chassis) 0700 - 1900 172 168 340 25.48 25.09 24.44 23.77 23.87 25.66 Eclipse House, Eclipse Park. Sittingbourne Road 25.48 24.72 26.27 23.77 Maidstone, Kent. ME14 3EN 25.66 23.87 24.08 24.72 t: 01622 776226 f: 01622 776227 24.08 23.42 Drainage 24.37 24.98 e: [email protected] w: www.dhaplanning.co.uk

24.98 24.37 25.38 23.76 25.58 Refuse Vehicle -he Right site In lies in Flood Zone 1, as defined by the EnvironmentRefuse VehicleAgency - Right and Out is the lowest probability of flooding. CAD Reference: 23.58 25.38 24.60 T 26.23 A3 25.58 It 23.76is proposed that the surface water will be captured through a Sustainable23.9823.99 Urban Drainage System (SUDs) and will ensure that there is no increased run off than the present field as a result of the development, screening and landscape buffering. PROPOSALS FOR

LAND SOUTH OF VIEW ROAD

CLIFFE WOODS

Ecology & Trees The site has been surveyed for both its ecological value and the condition of the trees. In terms of ecology, the site itself has low potential for protected species and survey work is ongoing for a number of species groups including reptiles and amphibians. The site is dominated by habitats of low ecological value, forming an intensive orchard in the west, an arable field at the south east, with bounding hedgerow along with a central hedgerow between the orchard of Field 1 and Field 2. Where possible, boundary vegetation will be retained and enhanced. The commercial orchard trees offer little ecological value. There are a number of nearby ponds within 250m which will be explored further for potential Great Crested Newt activity. The site’s proximity to the SSSI is fully recognised and Natural England have been approached to understand potential mitigation required. This could include the extent of the buffer, cat protection fences and potential no-cat covenants (this was accepted as suitable mitigation measure by the Planning Inspector to the adjacent retirement scheme application).

The scale of buffer to the SSSI is extensive and in places up to 30m. This degree of buffer is considered appropriate to protect the SSSI from any potential impacts and ensure no pedestrian access to the SSSI at this location. In respect of the trees, there are no notable trees on site albeit the strong hedgerow to View Road is noted as are the deteriorating rows of Poplars on the sites southern boundary. There are opportunities to enhance this boundary and create not only additional screening, but an ecological corridor that links the reservoir to the SSSI. PROPOSALS FOR

LAND SOUTH OF VIEW ROAD

CLIFFE WOODS

Way Forward... We will continue to evolve the proposed scheme and engage with Medway Council through the pre- application process. We would very much welcome your views on the proposed development and we will consider these comments as we progress to finalise the scheme. You can submit your comments via our email address [email protected] or online at www.consult-esquire.com Please send us your comments by no later than 19th February 2021 We are hoping to submit the planning application in the next couple of months.